#Japan #Manufacturing #Tokyo #CyberAgent #Milly

Milly's New Funding to Propel Manufacturing Collaboration

Milly Corporation, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has made headlines recently with its capital funding initiative aimed at enhancing its collaborative order app, "MILLY". This development comes with the backing of CyberAgent Capital, setting the stage for Milly's comprehensive efforts to digitalize the manufacturing industry and connect it globally.

Milly's Vision and Mission

Founded with the mission of increasing the number of globally beloved Japanese manufacturing firms, Milly is dedicated to promoting Japan's superior technological capabilities on the international stage. The launch of the "MILLY" app in October 2023 marked a significant step in this direction, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises that still rely heavily on traditional methods like FAX, phone calls, and paper-based processes for order management. The app aims to streamline these operations via a user-friendly smartphone interface, enhancing efficiency and connectivity among manufacturers.

Key Features of the MILLY App

The "MILLY" application serves as a specialized communication platform for the manufacturing sector. Users can effortlessly connect with processing companies across Japan and the world at the push of a button. Among its system's key functionalities are:

• - Seamless Communications: Users can easily send messages, manage delivery schedules, track billing, and collaborate on orders in real-time.
• - Vendor Search: Companies seeking new manufacturing partners can utilize a directory of over 100 registered businesses, filtering by specific criteria like processing methods and materials, facilitating easier decision-making.
• - CRM Capabilities: The app includes a customer relationship management feature, allowing users to keep track of customer information and transaction history, which aids in building lasting business relationships.
• - Promotional Platforms: Registered businesses can create a web page to promote their services, effectively acting as a substitute for a full-fledged website, increasing their visibility and enabling inquiries to flow in from search engines like Google.
• - Multilingual Support: The app's simultaneous translation function enables users to reach out to international companies with ease, expanding their potential client base.

These tools collectively help enhance communication between businesses, promoting more efficient operations, increased sales, and a smoother collaboration process.

Background and Goals for the Funding

Milly's recent funding will significantly accelerate the development of the "MILLY" application and strengthen its infrastructure for international expansion. The objective is to effectively merge the digital capabilities with traditional manufacturing processes, thus setting the foundation for future growth.

Future Prospects

Since the service's launch, "MILLY" has seen rapid adoption, with over 100 companies on board, and an active utilization rate reaching 80%. Milly aims not only to solidify its presence domestically but also to broaden its horizons towards Asia and North America. Upcoming participation in initiatives like the Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP) organized by JETRO reflects Milly's commitment to scalability on a global scale, emphasizing the intent to connect Japanese manufacturing businesses with international demand.

Insight from Milly's Leadership

Milly's CEO, Takashi Kitamura, expressed enthusiasm for the recent capital infusion, indicating a desire to enhance the quality of service and provide measurable value to clients. With a background in various sectors including product development and customer relations, he is optimistic about what the future holds for Milly and its role in revolutionizing the manufacturing industry.

"As we advance, our goal is for businesses to express that they are successfully trading with foreign partners through Milly," Kitamura stated.

Moreover, with a keen focus on hiring and expanding its team, Milly is committed to accelerating its mission of crafting globally recognized manufacturing enterprises.

As the industry evolves, Milly stands poised to lead the transition toward a more digital and interconnected manufacturing landscape, making significant strides in bringing together traditional craftsmanship with modern technological solutions.